Custom built hood question

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by onebadcat, Mar 4, 2008.

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  1. onebadcat

    onebadcat Plankton

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    Hello all i am a newbie here. i just bought a 90 gallon all glass with a wet dry. I am building a hood for it. i just bought 2 250 watt MH retro kits with 10k bulbs. Now i want to blue actinics, but really dont want to add VHO, and I am trying to be frugal at this point. Is there anything reasonable i can do? I even thought about getting a cheapy 48" t12 shop light but cannot find blue actinic bulbs for it. I am sure the MH are more than enough but like that blue shading and the hour before MH fir up would be nice to have the actinics on as well as an hour after. Thanks
     
    onebadcat, Mar 4, 2008
    onebadcat, Mar 4, 2008
    #1

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  2. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    You could always change the bulbs to a 14k or a 20k. The 10k is a white light, the 14k has a blueish tint to it and the 20k is almost blue. Different companies will have different numbers for ex. 10k 12k 20k or 10k 14k 20k or 10,15,20. Hope this can help, Luna
     
    lunatik_69, Mar 4, 2008
    lunatik_69, Mar 4, 2008
    #2
  3. onebadcat

    onebadcat Plankton

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    well these bulbs are brand new so kind of out of the question. I saw the corner tank project hood, what did they use for the blue lights inside the MH reflector? Thanks
     
    onebadcat, Mar 4, 2008
    onebadcat, Mar 4, 2008
    #3
  4. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    Welcome to 3Reef>>>>>
     
    baugherb, Mar 4, 2008
    baugherb, Mar 4, 2008
    #4
  5. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    You could use either PC or T-5 or VHO bulbs, its up to you but I still think getting the 14k or 20k will be cheaper and easier. You could always shave the 10k for backup. Thats what I have.
     
    lunatik_69, Mar 4, 2008
    lunatik_69, Mar 4, 2008
    #5
  6. onebadcat

    onebadcat Plankton

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    where can i get 20k resonable price, I have a M58 ballast
     
    onebadcat, Mar 4, 2008
    onebadcat, Mar 4, 2008
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  7. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Let me give you some free advice, b/c I've been there, done that and have gotten the stupid T-shirt too;D Stay away from the ones that cost $9.99 at Ebay, 50/50 chance it will work. I just bought (2) 14k bulbs from Pet Supplies, Dog Supplies, Cat Supplies, Pet Meds & Pet Products: Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies for $49.95ea. You really cant beat the service b/c when I installed both of them, one was burning like a 10k. They sent me another one and I sent the bad one back. You can find them cheaper at Ebay but becareful. If something ever goes wrong, foster and smith is there 24/7. I have also seen them for around $29.99. Good luck, Luna
    Call them and they will tell you if thier bulbs are capatible with your ballast.
     
    lunatik_69, Mar 4, 2008
    lunatik_69, Mar 4, 2008
    #7